Perigord

Perigord, or Périgord in French, is a historic and cultural region in southwestern France. It corresponds roughly to the Dordogne department in the modern region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, though the name also covers adjacent areas. The landscape features river valleys (Dordogne and Vézère), dense forests, and limestone plateaus, and it is traditionally subdivided into four areas by color names: Perigord Blanc (center around Périgueux), Perigord Noir (southwest around Sarlat-la-Canéda), Perigord Vert (northwest around Nontron), and Perigord Pourpre (east around Bergerac).

Historically, the area has been inhabited since prehistoric times; the Vézère Valley holds numerous Paleolithic sites, including Lascaux, famous for its cave paintings. In the Middle Ages, the region was part of Aquitaine; it saw feudal castles and bastides, and later became part of the French crown. The economy today emphasizes agriculture, forestry, tourism, and specialized foods such as truffles, foie gras, walnuts, and wine from Bergerac AOC.

Notable towns and sites include Sarlat-la-Canéda, Périgueux, Bergerac, and the castles of Beynac, Castelnau, and Hautefort, as well as the prehistoric cave sites in the Vézère valley. The Perigord is renowned for its gastronomy and medieval heritage, attracting visitors seeking cultural and culinary experiences.